Office of Physical Plant

Elm trees at University Park to be sprayed at sunrise on May 12

Elm trees sprayed twice annually to slow disease and preserve iconic trees

Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Starting at first light on Monday, May 12, the Penn State Office of Physical Plant (OPP) will conduct the first round of its annual two-part elm tree spraying program at University Park.

An aerial spray application by helicopter is set to take place at daybreak on the morning of Monday, May 12, with an estimated time of 5:30 a.m.

The application is weather permitting and signage will be posted in the affected areas.  

OPP sprays the historic campus elm trees each year in May and July to slow the spread of both Dutch elm disease and elm yellows, and to protect the remaining iconic elms on the University Park campus. These applications are carefully timed to best control the disease and benefit the trees, and to be as minimally disruptive as possible to the campus community.

OPP thanks the campus community for understanding the need and cooperating with this important program aimed at preserving the campus’ elm trees.  

Last Updated May 7, 2025